Filter
Category: Color | Scope: Section-level
A multimode filter — low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass. Low-pass removes highs (the classic sweep for builds and drops), high-pass removes lows (clears room for the kick and bass), and band-pass keeps only the mids (telephone/radio voicing). Automate the Cutoff knob to create the signature EDM filter ramp.
Macros
| Macro | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Cutoff | Knob (20–20,000 Hz) | The frequency the filter works around |
| Resonance | Knob (0–100 %) | Emphasis at the cutoff frequency — higher values create a sharper, more aggressive sweep |
| Mix | Slider (0–100 %) | Balance between dry (original) and filtered signal |
| Mode | Selector (Low-Pass / High-Pass / Band-Pass) | Which side of the cutoff the filter keeps |
Modes
- Low-Pass — keeps everything below Cutoff, cuts the highs above it. The classic muffle-and-sweep tool.
- High-Pass — keeps everything above Cutoff, cuts the lows below it. Use it on a lead, pad, or pluck to clear low-end space so the kick and bass stay punchy.
- Band-Pass — keeps only the frequencies around Cutoff, cutting both the lows and the highs. Gives a thin, mid-focused "telephone" or "old radio" character.
Presets
Dark, Telephone, Sweep, Resonant, High-Pass, Band-Pass.
How the settings work together
Cutoff + Resonance are the classic synth filter pair. Cutoff determines where the filter starts cutting — everything above this frequency gets quieter. Resonance boosts the frequencies right at the cutoff point, creating a peak. Low resonance gives a smooth, natural roll-off. High resonance creates a sharp, aggressive spike that makes the cutoff position very audible — this is what gives filter sweeps their dramatic, "screaming" quality.
Cutoff as a section-level control is powerful for arrangement. A low cutoff makes the section sound muffled and distant (great for intros and breakdowns). Sweeping the cutoff wide open for a chorus creates an instant lift. The contrast between filtered and unfiltered sections is one of the most effective ways to create energy in electronic music.
Mix lets you soften the filter's impact. At 100%, the filter fully replaces the original signal. Pulling it back blends in the unfiltered sound, which keeps some brightness and definition even when the cutoff is low. This can be useful when you want a "behind glass" feel without completely losing the high end.
When to use it
Close the filter in a verse for a muffled, distant feel, then sweep it open into the chorus for a dramatic lift. Use high resonance for aggressive EDM sweeps, or low resonance for subtle tone shaping. Different sections can have different filter settings — muffled intro, open chorus, filtered breakdown.
Switch to High-Pass mode on a lead or pad that is competing with the kick and bass: set Cutoff around 150–250 Hz to thin out the low end so the rhythm section keeps its punch. Band-Pass is a quick way to give a section a lo-fi, mid-focused contrast.